The warm weather has stirred up activity among the Green Anoles here in Arkansas. Over the past few days, I’ve spotted a total of five of these fascinating lizards congregating in one area of my yard. This surge in activity makes for excellent photography opportunities, as the Anoles become more active and allow for close-up shots with a bit of careful maneuvering.
When photographing these agile creatures, patience is key. Sometimes, I find myself waiting for the Anoles to shift to a spot where I can capture them perched perfectly. It’s not uncommon for this process to take a while, prompting me to step away and return later to check if they’ve relocated. Luckily, they tend to stick around a small area, making it easier for me to track them down.
Despite the chilly weather, the Northern Green Anoles that inhabit our region don’t burrow deep underground for cover. Instead, they seek shelter in various spots, making them accessible for observation and photography.
As we approach the breeding season in a couple of months, male Anoles will begin their captivating displays. From April to July, these males become more territorial and aggressive as they vie for the attention of females.
On my property near the Ouachita National Forest, I’ve identified specific areas where these Northern Green Anoles tend to congregate. Armed with my trusty Canon EOS 7D Mark II camera paired with an EF 100-400 mm f/4.5-5.6L IS II USM lens, I regularly venture out to these spots during warm weather to capture their behaviors.
For those curious about my camera settings, here they are:
- Mode: AV Mode
- Aperture: f/6.3
- ISO: 500
- Shutter speed: 1/500 of a second
- Focal Length: 227 mm
With these settings dialed in, I’m ready to immerse myself in the captivating world of Green Anole photography, observing their behaviors and documenting their presence in our natural surroundings.